BMW navigation systems for the last few years have been DVD-based, which means that all the software and maps for the entire United States are all located on one DVD. That also means that if you want to update your maps or update the software, you have to get a different DVD. outside fairly big deal for most people. However, a BMW Navigation DVD can be quite expensive.

You see, with most pieces of software that you have sent your computer, software updates are actually expensive in fact in most cases their free however. Car software is one of those specialized areas where since there is not a real distributed network to acquire the software, your start going to the manufacturer or your local dealer to buy the upgrade.

Upgrade DVD can be very expensive, especially considering that for most people a navigation system is not the most important part of the vehicle. Sure, it's a nice feature. However, most people can without a GPS system. Thus, spending hundreds of dollars just to upgrade the software to the latest maps is a bit ridiculous.

In layman's terms, that means that BMW dealers are often charging way too much for something that in all reality they should probably be giving away for free. Here's the problem though, it's not necessarily even BMWs fault that the software is so expensive. The software is actually made by a company called Navteq.

Navteq actually provides maps for many companies largest BMW. They are a software company that specializes in GPS software and mapping. Therefore, it is in their best interest to charge for the software. Even if it is not in the best interests of their customers.

Anymore, it is almost always better to shop online for something like this because, you can buy the disc updates for as little as 50 bucks on eBay instead of paying hundreds elsewhere. That kind of cost savings, brings your BMW navigation system. More in line with a competing GPS standalone product from Garmin or TomTom.

Frankly, if you couldn't buy BMW navigation dvds from eBay, it would almost make more sense just to buy a decent portable GPS system that you could use in multiple vehicles, because the prices drop down so low on those up there only like $200 or less. That's one or two update DVDs in your BMW.